Wayne E. Easley

Feb. 12, 2013

Wayne E. Easley passed away at his Fort Collins home Feb. 1, 2013 surrounded by family. Wayne was born April 1, 1943 in Grand Junction, Colo. to William E. and Norabelle (Weaver) Easley. After attending Carrol College, he graduated with a B.A. in communications from University of Northern Colorado. He received both M.A. and PhD. in communications from Purdue University.

On Sept. 4, 1965, he married Ruby "Kay" Lynch in Longmont, Colo. In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and was commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His career included assignments at Ft. Belvoir, VA; U.S. Recruiting Command, Ft. Sheridan, IL and Heidelberg, Germany. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN. He and Kay returned "home" to Colorado when they moved to Ft. Collins in 1996.

The classroom was an important part of Wayne's life. He taught speech and debate at Greeley Central High School, Purdue University, University of Central Arkansas, Butler University, College of Lake County, IL., University of Maryland, European Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer School. His teaching skills also extended to religious education classes and seminars. An avid reader, he enjoyed family gatherings, traveling, and the Colorado mountains.

An active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Ft. Collins, he belonged to the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Military Officers Association of America. He was a graduate of the Catholic Biblical School and Command and General Staff College in the U.S. Army.

Services will take place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Ft. Collins: Visitation at 6 p.m., Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m., Monday, February 4 with Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, to conclude with full military honors and a reception to follow. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Longmont. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kevin Easley Guitar Memorial Scholarship at the University of Northern Colorado; Disabled American Veterans; Catholic Charities Northern (Ft. Collins) or a charity of choice.